Tube compressor and hanger



April 17, 1956 c. H. BECKERT 2,742,190

TUBE COMPRESSOR AND HANGER Filed April 15, 1955 IN VEN TOR. mam: 5 A. 85685.4 7'

United States Patent QM RES Q A G R Charles H. Beckett, Los Angcles, (lalit. Application April .15, 1955, Serial No, 501,579 7 Claims. (Cl. 222-100 The present invention relates to tube compressors and hangers in general and particularly to a device adapted to be connected to. a deformable tube containing tooth paste or the like for the'pnrposes of supporting the tube when not in use, and for the purpose of increasing the se e fi en and a cu acy el tion v paste f mhe tube whe i u e re pe fic ly the nv t o e asimnleeeeeam s lly made ni adap ed obe.

ite. e to e ea e of. a. de ermab e wheat he ybe u pend d fr m an i ks e sa ncrat s m nually the tu e an e oll d. up n, a d aentp e -the past w hin r ont e PHI-13.95% o o cing a maments h sel m te 1 he orwa end a. he hasa. h n-1. s tu e d re lwh en h tspen en .3 a aes ihle nan tu t r e a one nd.- w th' a ated-r du es! neck. oas na h t th y r p fera y an: are w hdr wn only 1 11351 have be n .11 a. an 1 e nat stnditiqn. fie n-tbe a matiqng-c @ra k rt ars in. tie sbe w ich s l aa ate zd..mp e-br tsma leab l y han. by, i sstrens ht a eithem ion o mp ssion "q l t k Q1" e arnerseaka e. at hatn i h FUQIIHQQ to the user, asthe tube is normally held inysn while portable" and being adapted to be held myth; hand, is also usable;whilesuspended from a support such as a hooltor nail. When being used in the application of Weatherstrip. cement or sealing; compound, on when used by til'e setters, the tube and theunit-would probably be; carriedin the hand, the contentsbeing exp'elled either bytheoperation oi the unit or by a compressi ve force exerted upon thetube itself with i the unit being used intermittently to: wind up theempt-ied por tionot th'e' tubei It is particularly useful whem expelling col-Q ored paint s, for the discharge can be controllemwi'thaccuracy. Linden the-control: oithe rotary. element i of the oth paste an Wh QhJ DQ out e or al y o ed: yte thr ededw n qday on ti ute enera ly ccep ed: on ainers; tor: s t n e s h tooth P st .glne, eal n o er ma er als h n qa ir 9991 w he qh. yaq ation w th, re u tin it constructed in, accordance with the present,

unit andeven when'discharged by a manual compressive force if the tube has been re-expanded by the action of the unit. Whether the ejection of the contained paste is accomplished by the compressive force upon the full, plump tube conditioned by the unit, or whether it is ejected bythe operation of the unit directly, the presence;

of the unit makes possible accurate and controlled flow.-

Theunit as constructed in'accor'dance with the present invention comprises a frame, including a handle a-nd a otat ble key with its own handle. is so positioned thatit ifs-adapted to extend under along the underside of the tube while the key handle is to aid in the winding operation. The device is designed,

to force'the paste within the tube to the open or cap end in order to keep it in the full or plump condition while the operator firmly supports the tube with his fingers;

upper side of the tube, and exerting a compressive force for; metering the material as needed. When so operated,

theliey is turned only as necessary to keep the tube in suitable full, plumpcondition for satisfactory metering of the paste Both hands are used in this operation when a continuous flow of material is desired.

The handle portion of the frame is designed with, a slight are or curve at its narrow extremity for two purposes, one of which is to-prevent the. handle'frflm gouging into. and tearing thetube when pressure is applied, and the other of whichisto provide a stableresting place for the, fingers underlying the; tube and extended. thereacross.

TIfhesecQHd Part of the unit comprises a rotatable key formedgof; divergentdegsfrom one end of which a handle extends at right angles. Que: of; the legsis longer than the other tonprovidea support to aidin the loading openation while the legs are spread; The key handle 'pro' vides. means by which; the; key may readily be. rotated intwo loopsformed integrally in the frame. One ofthos'e loops is elliptical section so that upon the rotation of the,- key its legswill. be; broughttogether into clamping. relationship upon the tube end positioned betweenthem. The shorten leg off theqkey has a slight bend orhumpnear its handle/endthe presence of which causes: the legs to separateto a predetermined distance when in their open position and provides clearance for the endof thetube. This hump also tends to prevent; displace ment of the key and: isso positioned: onthe shorterl'eg thatitis substantially inside; one-loop when. the end of the;

has been mounted the; unit, it may be removed and re' seatedas often as necessarywithout damage to the tubev because the key l'egsare forced: apart bytheir ownv spring action and: are enabled to seat readily on the tube and without damaging it.

- Rcfeltringznowto the drawing in which a preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated:

Figure l discloses the end of'a common tube ofthetype adapted to contain toothpaste or the like, and illustrates the use of the end of the longkey legto form a, groove or channel in the tube immediately adjacent its wrapped end for the purposeof seating one leg of the key in. the operativerelationship,of the key andtube;

alongv the underside of the tube contacted by two or more fingersr and with the thumb along the topside of the tube;

Paltented Apr. 17, 1956 The frame handle- .the' long leg of the key as a means of Opening a tube of paste.

- Referring again to the drawing, a deformable tube of the type adapted to contain paste such as tooth paste, paint, glue, grease, cleansing cream, etc., is indicated generally by the reference character 10. The exact material within the tube is not important and is to be understood to be of a type which can be ejected from the open end of the tube'by pressure. For the pur poses of this description, and only as an exemplification, it will be considered that the tube is a tube of tooth paste. The removable dispensing unit constructed in accordance with this invention is indicated generally by the reference character 11, and is seen to comprise a frame 12 formed of still? metal wire which, within the range of forces to which it is subjected, can be considered as quite rigid, and a split rotatable key 15, also relatively rigid and formed of half-round wire.

Referring first to the frame 12, that very important part is seen to comprise a handle portion 16 formed by spaced parallel runs of the wire frame 12 connected at one end by a loop 17 which curves or inclines slightly away from the plane of the remainder of the frame for a reason which will be described. The loop 17 provides means by which the frame may be hung from a hook or nail carried on a wall.

From the other end of the handle portion 16, that is, the end spaced from the sloping loop portion 17, the frame is formed as two diverging runs 18 which extend outwardly to end in short parallel runs 19 also parallel to the runs forming the handle 16. Each of the short runs 19 carries a loop formed by curving the wire of the frame back upon itself so as to extend upon the. opposite side of the plane of the frame from the direction of inclination of the looped end 17 of the handle. One of these loops bears the reference character 21 and may be viewed as substantially circular while the other loop, bearing the reference character 22, interiorly describes an ellipse or oval the major axis of which extends substantially perpendicularly to its run 19 and to the plane of the frame, as is seen most clearly in Figure 6. The length of the diverging legs 18 will vary depending upon the size of tube with which the unit is designed to cooperate, and for that matter it is to be understood that all the parts are adapted to be made in different sizes so long as their cooperative relationship remains the same. It is important, however, that the length of the diverging runs 18, and the distance separating the loops 21 and 22, be such that the latter will be adapted to straddle and be positioned adjacent the extremities of the flattened end of the tube in the manner indicated in the drawing.

7 Referring now to the key 15, that member of the combination is seen to comprise a relatively long, straight leg 26 formed with a half-conical outer end 27, and a shorter leg 28 the end 29 of which can be defined as half of a truncated frusto-cone. Short leg 28 extends angularly away from the inner end of leg 26 for a short distance and is then formed with a bend or hump 30 from which point it diverges more gradually so that the two legs are more nearly parallel from there on out, as is best seen in Figure 7. I

Leg members 26 and 28 at their inner ends are bent at substantially right angles to curve into parallel runs which form a handle 31. Handle 31 is itself formed at its end with a loop 32 to provide an increased gripping surface.

As the key is formed of half-round.

, 4 stock, the inner surfaces of the legs 26 and 28 are flat While their outer surfaces are rounded.

The key 15 is related to the frame 12 in a definite manner and it is 'important'that the key handle 31 be positioned adjacent the elliptical loop 22 and not adjacent the circular loop 21. The length of the legs is such that they are adapted to extend the distance between the two loops to penetrate both in the normal operative relationship illustrated in Figure 4. Upon being withdrawn slightly by displacing the handle 31 a greater distance from the elliptical loop 22, the leg 26 is sufiiciently longer than the leg 28 that it continues to rest within the circular loop 21 while the leg 28 disengages and the hump or bend 30 is still inside the loop 22. This is important, for at the right of the bend 30 as viewed in Figure 2, for example, the distance separating the legs 26 and 28 is a minimum and their natural spring force tends to separate them a maximum separation and as permitted by the elliptical loop 22 which increases the ease of insertion of the flattened end of the tube 10. The maximum opening between the legs will be obtained, of course, when the key 15 is rotated until its handle extends at right angles to the plane of the frame 12 which in turn means that'the outer surfaces of the legs 26 and 28 will be in contact With/the ends of the loop 22 at the opposite ends of the major axis of the ellipse as is illustrated most clearly in Figure 6. Rotating the handle 31 of the key 15 through ninety degrees from the position illustrated in Figure 2, causes the curved outer surfaces of the legs 26 and 28 to move into contact with the inner loop surfaces separated by the lesser distance of minor axis thereby forcing the leg members together. When so compressed, the outer ends of the legs are sufliciently close together as to enable the inclined end 29 of the shorter leg 28 to'pass through the loop 21 upon the exertion of a lateral force upon the key handle 31. No other force is necessary to obtain the contraction or the reduction in the distance spacing the legs 26 and 28 except this rotation of the key.

To use the present invention, it is desirable that the new tube of paste first be grooved adjacent its flat lapped end in the manner illustrated in Figure 1. For this purpose the half conical end 27 of the longer leg 26 is used and the leg is pulled across the flattened portion of the tubeimmediately adjacent the folded end in the manner there illustrated. This provides a channel in which the upper leg 28 can fit when the tube is inserted between the legs in the manner illustrated in Figure 2. With the new tube thus grooved, and with its open end having been penetrated by the end 27 of the leg 26 in the manner illustrated in Figure 7, if that be necessary, the key 15 is again repositioned in the frame 12 to the extent that the leg 26 penetrates both loops while the end of the short leg 28 is positioned just short of the loop 21. The bend 30 will then be just inside the elliptical loop 22. With the key so positioned transversely, it is rotated until the curved outer sides of the legs 26 and 28 contact the inner surfaces of the elliptical loop 22 along the major axis of the ellipse as illustrated in Figure 6. The natural spring force ofthe legs 26 and 28 spreads them and while so spread the flattened end of the tube 10 is inserted in the manner shown in Figure 2 until the previously formed groove underlies the short leg 28. At this time, as will be noted in Figure 2, the frame handle 16 is extended below the tube and on its underside in the direction of its length. The key handle 31 is now rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 2 and 3. The reaction is that as the curved outer surfaces of the legs 26 and 28 travel from the major axis of the ellipse to the minor axis the legs are forced together. The entire key is now forced to the left, as viewed in Figure 2, until the short leg 28 extends through the loop 21 in the manner illustrated in Figure 4. The unit can then be hung upon a nail or. hook awaiting use, as illustrated in Figure 4, or

it is ready for immediate use as illustrated in Figure -3.

Foruse in a preferred manner, the user places hisl forwardly and off the handle. The thumb overlies the top of the tube '10 and pressure is exerted between the fingers and the thumb to expel the desired amount of paste. Alternately, the key handle 31 can be continuously rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 3, thereby wrapping the end of the tube upon itself and forcing the paste from the tube in an obvious manner. Regardless of the exact method used, either the compression between the fingers followed 'by intermittent turning of thekey, or the continuous turning of the key, will propel paste outwardly from the outlet end of the tube as desired and in a controlled amount .until finally the tube is completely wrapped upon itself and is exhausted. r

The exhausted tube is readily removed. 1

The principal divergence betweentthe legs 26 and 28 takes place between the handle 31 and the bend 3t) and there is little further compression of the leg elements toward each other after the bend reaches the loop 22 and the key is pulled farther to the right. As a result, the displacement of the key is readily accomplished in the manner illustrated in Figure 5 and thereafter a new tube is positioned in a manner which duplicates that which has just been described. The dispensing unit constructed in accordance with the present invention is reusable, for there are no parts which are subject to breakage or wear.

While the particular device herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device of the class described, a frame comprising, in the order referred to, a handle, diverging leg runs extending from said handle and ending in short parallel runs, said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis, one of said openings being circular and the other of said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between said loops and including a handle extended angularly at one end of said leg members, said key being rotatable in said loops upon the turning of said handle, the contact of said leg members with the interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and from each other as to clamp or to release the flattened end of a tube positioned therebetween.

2. In a device of the class described, a frame comprising, in the order referred to, a handle, diverging leg runs extending from said handle and ending in short parallel runs, said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis, one of said openings being circular and the other of said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between said loops and including a handle ex tended angularly at one end of said leg members, said key being rotatable in said loops upon the turning of said handle, the contact of said leg members with the interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and'from each other toclatnp er to re'le'asef the flattened end of a tube positioned merebetwenj characterized in that one of said "leg memjbers is longer! than the other to enable said shorter le'g membento move toward and from said longer =leg'=memberluponl the rotation of said key without "interference from one" of said loops and while said longer leg member is extended through said one "of said loops. 1

3. In a device of the class described, a frame'com' prising, in the order referred to; a handle, diverging 'leg runs extending from said handle and ending-in short parallel runs, said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis'one'of said openings being circular and the other of said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between said loops and including a handle extended angularly 'atone end of said leg members, said key being rotatable in said loo'ps upon "the; turning of said handle, thecontact of said leg members with the interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and from eaeh otheras r to clamp or to release the flattened end of a tube posiwtioned therebetween; characterized in that one of said leg members is longer than the other of said leg members and in that each of said leg members is provided at its end with a surface conforming to the surface of a cone to aid in guiding said leg member into said circular loop.

4. In a device of the class described, a frame comprising, in the order referred to, a handle, diverging leg runs extending from said handle and ending in short parallel runs, said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis, one of said openings being circular and the other of said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between said loops and including a key handle extended angularly at one of said leg memv bers, said key being rotatable in said loops upon the turning of said key handle, the contact of said leg members with the interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and from each other as to clamp or to release the flattened end of a tube positioned therebetween; characterized in that said leg members diverge at a maximum rate near said handle and at a lesser rate therebeyond toward their ends spaced from said key handle.

5. In a device of the class described, a frame comprising, in the order referred to, a handle, diverging leg runs extending from said handle and ending in short parallel runs, said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane .of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis, one of said openings being circular and the other of said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between said loops and including a handle extended angularly at one end of said leg members, said key being rotatable in said loops upon the turning of said handle, the contact of said leg members with the interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and from each other as to clamp or to release the flattened end of a tube positioned therebetween; characterized in that one of said leg members is longer than the other of said leg members and in that said shorter leg member is formed with a bend at a point between its midpoint and said handle, said shorter leg diverging from said longer leg member at a greater rate between said bend and said handle than between said bend and its opposite end, whereby said 7 shorter leg member separates from said longer leg member at a maximum rate during the initial lateral displacement of,saidvl eg members from said loopsi 6. In a device of the class described, a frame comprising, in the order referred to, a handle, diverging leg runs extending from said handle and ending in short parallel runs,;said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all, lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to thezplane of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis, one of said openings being circular and the othertof said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between saidloops'and including a handle extended angularly at one end of said leg members, said key being rotatable in said loops upon the turning of said handle, the contact of said leg members with the interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and from each other as to clamp or to release the flattened vend of a tube positioned therebetween; characterized in that said handle of said frame is formed with a loop end spaced from said diverging legs which loop end is sloped from the general plane of said handle as to prevent digging into a tube of paste lying along said handle.

7. In a device of the class, described, a frame comprising, in the order referred to, a handle, diverging leg runs extending from said handle and lending in short parallel runs, said handle, said diverging leg runs and said short runs all lying in substantially the same plane, loops integral with said short runs lying in parallel planes perpendicular to the plane of said handle and defining spaced openings having a common axis, one of said openings being circular and the other of said openings being elliptical; and a key comprising diverging leg members extended between said loops and including a handle extended angularly at one end of said leg members, said key being rotatable in said loops upon the turning of said handle, the contact of said leg members with the .interior of said elliptical loop functioning to move said leg members toward and from each other as to clamp or to release the flattened end of a tube positioned therebetween; characterized in that said leg members of said key are of different length and in that said longer leg member is sharp at its end with a surface including a surface conforming to a cone whereby said end is adapted to be used to penetrate the closed end of a tube and to form a groove in a flattened end of a tube.

No references cited. 

